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Bags of reasons to tune into the Advertiser

Conrad Astley
30/ 1/2003

THE ADVERTISER is always first in line to stir up debate about the most pressing issues of the day.

And this week, we brought the question at the top of everyone's agenda onto airwaves across the region - which supermarket has the strongest carrier bags?

Key 103 breakfast DJs JK and Joel decided to end the great debate once and for all after reading a lively discussion on our letters page.

The paper, which finds its way into over 90,000 homes across Salford every Thursday, was broadcast to millions on Friday when the DJs discussed what a good read it was.

Show producer and Salford resident Euan McMorrow brought a copy of the paper in, and while the popular DJs were impressed with stories such as our interview with pop group Blazin' Squad, and Monton's mystery tree chopper, the main talking point was a letter about carrier bags.

Regular correspondent Stella Corbett of Church Street in Eccles had previously written in extolling the virtues of Farmfoods bags, claiming they were superior to Morrisons.

And her strong views obviously struck a chord with another reader, who wrote in agreeing with the sentiment.

JK and Joel picked up on this exchange, and when Advertiser editor Mandy Leigh rang the station to suggest they arrange their own on-air bag test challenge, the DJs agreed to do just that.

Breakfast show dogsbody Simon Lowe was sent walking along Deansgate on Tuesday morning, with three packed carrier bags while the DJs phoned his mobile for live updates.

The bags in the spotlight, piled with groceries and a jar of haemorrhoid cream, were a Farmfoods bag, a Morrison's bag and an Asda carrier - and the Farmfoods bag split first!

Speaking to us later, Simon said he rated Asda's as best, although the Morrison's bag held out longest.

He added: "The letter was talked about on the show a few times and it was decided we'd do our own test. We packed the bags quite heavily with items. The farmfoods bag was the first to split - that only lasted until I got half way down Deansgate."

Controversy originator Stella said she was delighted her letter had started something so big, but added she was sticking to her guns and was not convinced by the authenticity of the contest, even suggesting there may have been a fix!